New Delhi: Government on Friday informed the Rajya Sabha that a rail axle wheel manufacturing factory in Chapra in Bihar is ready for commissioning, a development which would reduce dependence on import of wheels.

Roy said he has requested Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad to be present on the occasion. He, however, did not announce the date of commissioning. The project was announced in the 2005-06 Railway Budget.

Roy also informed the House that two locomotive plants at Madhepura (electric) and Marhora (diesel) in the state, which are being set up in public-private partnership (PPP) mode, would be completed "as soon as possible".

Since these two facilities are being set up in the PPP mode, he said they require due diligence. Estimated cost of these two plants is about Rs 29,800 crore. Bidding documents for the multi-crore projects are being finalised by the Railways.

Roy also said the House that progress on projects announced during the tenure of former Railway Ministers was "very good". In reply to a question regarding concession in rail travel to journalists, Minister of State for Railways Bharatsinh Solanki said the facility is not being provided in online reservation as mediapersons are required to submit documents.

He said since fares in suburban and passengers trains are highly subsidised, "no concessions are given" to any person in those trains. (Agencies)